Tiki’s agent knew broadcasting career was going poorly right away

Ian O’Conner of ESPNNewYork.com writes that Tiki met with Jon Gruden and former Bucs G.M. Bruce Allen for drinks midway through the 2007 season, with Gruden putting on a full court press to sign Tiki for the stretch run. Barber’s agent was all for it, because he didn’t like how Barber’s broadcast career was starting out.

“I was pushing for it hard,” Lepselter said, “because I already knew things weren’t going in the right direction for Tiki.” (Tiki says thanks for the support.)

At the end of the meeting, Tiki said he’d join the team. He changed his mind soon thereafter, sort of like he’s changed his mind this offseason after four years away from the game.

“With my life stagnating, and feeling like I wasn’t really doing anything, I realized I still love the game of football,” Barber told O’Conner of his latest decision to return. “I’d lost my way, and then I realized this is what I still want to do.”

Tiki’s best talent is in fumbling…..both the football and life in general.

zoxitic says:Apr 22, 2011 11:57 AM

And Eli Manning wasn’t a leader, huh?

Trzoutman says:Apr 22, 2011 11:59 AM

Whooooo cares?

benh999 says:Apr 22, 2011 11:59 AM

Does anyone like this guy? Even if has managed to stay in football shape, he would probably have a tough time making a roster. Combined with the utter hostility he showed his old teammates and coaches after retiring, no one in their right mind will pick him up. Not even the Raiders.

axespray says:Apr 22, 2011 12:03 PM

UPDATE: The Giants won’t file tampering charges, in case you were curious.

Probably cause the commissioner would turn a blind eye to it (unless it’s detriot doing the tampering) ?

unclehilroy says:Apr 22, 2011 12:15 PM

“Tiki’s agent knew broadcasting career was going poorly right away”. Newsflash: so did everyone else.

Expect to see him on the sidelines for ESPN’s MNF with Matt Millen if there’s a season this year…

chiefswarpath87 says:Apr 22, 2011 2:16 PM

Tiki is such a piece of crap. He left his pregnant wife for a 20 year old floozy, unfairly criticized Eli Manning ( Manning then led Tiki’s former team to a Super Bowl Championship), and now wants to get back in the NFL because he managed to screw up everything in his life. I hope nobody signs this idiot. How can 1 embryo create one loser and one good winner (his twin Ronde). Hopefully Tiki spends the rest of his days working a 9 to 5 like the rest of us.